The emergence of the dating app landscape: An exploration of its inception
In the upcoming film 'Swiped', British actress Lily James portrays Whitney Wolfe Herd, the trailblazing tech entrepreneur who founded Bumble after her departure from Tinder. Directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, 'Swiped' marks a rare occasion in Hollywood, showcasing a woman tech entrepreneur at the helm.
The film recounts the creation of Tinder and Bumble, with a focus on Wolfe Herd's experiences at Tinder and her subsequent success with Bumble. Wolfe Herd made headlines in 2014 with her lawsuit against Tinder, eventually leaving the company due to toxicity in her relationship with Justin and the challenges she faced at the company.
'Swiped' presents Wolfe Herd's story in a feel-good, Hollywood-clichéd manner, highlighting her resilience and determination. In the film, Wolfe Herd receives support from Russian investor Andrey Andreev in founding Bumble, a platform where only women can make the first move.
The filmmaking team for 'Swiped' was predominantly female, a decision James believes was crucial for the story's authenticity. Interestingly, Wolfe Herd did not participate in the making of the film due to a confidentiality agreement following an out-of-court settlement with Tinder.
'Swiped' is based solely on extensive media coverage from the time and offers an entertaining and lighthearted take on Wolfe Herd's journey. The film refers to the Tinder-established feature of swiping user profiles left or right with your finger.
'Swiped' will be available for streaming on Disney+ from September 19. With its inspiring narrative and engaging storytelling, it's set to captivate audiences worldwide.
In Germany alone, approximately 7.5 million people use dating apps like Tinder or Bumble, making the story of Wolfe Herd's success even more relevant and relatable.
James, who plays Wolfe Herd, found the story of the Bumble founder's work inspiring, despite never having tried online dating herself. The film's portrayal of Wolfe Herd's relationship with her colleague Justin, as well as the challenges she faced at Tinder, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
'Swiped' promises to be a compelling watch for anyone interested in the world of tech entrepreneurship, online dating, or inspiring stories of resilience and success. So mark your calendars for September 19, when 'Swiped' becomes available on Disney+.
